Regulation of Telegram. The Verkhovna Rada to Consider a Bill
25 March 19:46
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will consider a bill that provides for the regulation of Telegram and similar digital platforms in Ukraine. This was announced by MP Mykola Knyazhitsky, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“The Verkhovna Rada will consider my bill No. 11115 on regulating the activities of Telegram and similar platforms in Ukraine. The relevant committee has just unanimously supported it. This decision is long overdue. But after the recent terrorist attacks, it has become unavoidable. Today we have a situation where Russian intelligence agencies are massively using Telegram and other digital platforms to recruit Ukrainians, coordinate sabotage, spread disinformation, and destabilize the country,” Knyazhitsky wrote.
According to the MP, the bill does not ban messaging apps or impose censorship, nor does it affect user anonymity. It concerns only the basic responsibilities of the platforms.
Platforms must:
- disclose their owners and sources of funding;
- maintain contact with the state through an authorized body;
- respond promptly to threats to national security, fraud, or terrorism.
In case of violations, sanctions are provided—ranging from financial fines to restrictions on the use of platforms by government agencies, banks, and organizations that handle citizens’ personal data.
“The key point is: we do not regulate content or users. We regulate the behavior of platforms. Because today, some of them either do not respond at all, or respond slowly, or respond only after the damage has already been done. The Ukrainian state must have the tools to protect its citizens. This is the first, I would say, the most lenient step. If necessary, the law can be strengthened by the second reading,” explained Knyazhitsky.
The author of the bill emphasized that it will regulate the behavior of platforms, not content or users.
“This law is, first and foremost, about the safety of Ukrainians. I believe that parliament understands this; we will quickly finalize it and adopt it in its entirety,” Knyazhitsky emphasized.
The MP noted that the bill is consistent with European legislation, has not received any negative opinions from the Council of Europe, and has received the support of the European Commission, taking into account the war conditions in Ukraine.
